Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Ford F-350 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact drove over and object on the road and the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with high-pressure and low-pressure fuel pump failures due to the metal shavings inside the fuel rail and fuel injectors. Additionally, the EGR valve was damaged. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact then observed a loud noise emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle stalled. The contact exited the vehicle to perform an inspection and observed condensation underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under Emission Recall Number: 20E07 (Power Train Control Module Reprogramming). The contact stated that while driving 70-80 MPH, the RPM fluctuated between 2,300 and 2,900 RPM, and the transmission failed to shift into overdrive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350. The contact discovered that the vehicle was leaking oil from the upper oil pan. No warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle was drivable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the upper oil pan was indeed leaking, and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer in order to replace the upper oil plan. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was contacted. The contact referenced NHTSA ID Number: 10177883, as possibly being related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,300.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated he heard an abnormal sound. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Driving uphill at approx 20mph near my home. Loud bang/explosion from engine or front driver-side wheel well. Red alarm flashed on instrument cluster (something like "Front Brake Failure") and strong odor of fuel or exhaust entered cab. I immediately pulled into a pullout and put vehicle in park when I noticed flames coming from the engine compartment through the gaps in hood and wheel well. I splashed a small amount of water on the driver side front tire, but the fire continued to grow. I backed away to a safe distance and called 911. Within 5 minutes, the entire engine compartment was on fire and I captured on video explosions as the fire raged Local fire department arrived within 15 minutes, but the entire engine and cab had already been destroyed by fire. Had I been driving at high speed or with passengers, this incident could have resulted in serious burn injuries and death. …
I am filing this complaint regarding my Ford F-350, VIN [redacted], which caught fire on [redacted]. The truck had approximately 130,000 miles, which I consider low mileage for a properly maintained diesel Ford F-350. These trucks are known for long service life, and many Ford diesel trucks routinely remain in service for 20 years or more and exceed 250,000 miles when properly maintained. For that reason, I did not expect a sudden and catastrophic fire in a truck with only 130,000 miles. While driving, passing motorists alerted us the truck was on fire. The fire appeared to originate in the engine compartment and spread extremely rapidly. Within a very short period, the front of the truck was engulfed in flames and sustained catastrophic damage. …
I have a 2017 F-350 SuperDuty with the Engine Block Heater option, two recalls have been issued related to a condition that can cause overheating of the power cord with the possibility of a fire. Recall 18V-894 and 19V-278 have both been applied and verified by Ford Customer Service. During the recent cold weather in the Houston, Texas area, the engine block heater was used to keep the engine warm to assist with starting. When I disconnected the power cord the was hot enough to have melted the plug to the point where the blades in the plug were loose and I had to use gloves to separate the engine heater cord from the extension cord. This should have been fixed under one or both of the previous recalls. It represents an electrical hazard that could lead to fire and loss of property. I asked Ford to remedy the situation under case [redacted] and they have declined to resolve the hazard. …
Restricted CCV Separator causing excessive crankcase pressure buildup. 2017-2019 models of this engine have this CCV design, but the Crankcase Oil Separator (containing this part) was redesigned from 2020 forward for the same engine due to excessive complaints of buildup and costly secondary effects such as Charge Air Cooling Tube splits/failures. This modification was never offered to 2017-2019 model year vehicles with this engine. Servicing Dealer indicated that this failure, and secondary failures led to loss of engine oil, which leads to catastrophic engine failure while driving. There are no indications via OBD codes or dash warnings indicating there is an issue, giving a false sense of security to the driver, especially when towing large loads. …
2017 Ford F350 Superduty 6.7L diesel will intermittently surge/buck while towing uphill under load causing loss of power and creating unsafe driving situation. When it happens I've also observed electrical power loss to OBD-II port where I have accessory guage installed to monitor critical truck systems like oil temp, trans temp, coolant temp, etc.. No DTC or fault codes are generated when this happens. I haven't taken to dealer yet but I've researched and read lots of truck forums where multiple Ford owners have had the same issue. When they've taken their truck to the dealer they've been told this is "normal". I don't agree and believe this is a serious safety issue to a consumer that suddenly loses all power and must let off all acceleration while other cars are following/around vehicle when vehicle surges. This has now happened four different times and various speeds (30-60 mph).
Engine Shuts Off Upon Acceleration on the onramp to a interstate highway causing the Ford f350SD, 6.7L Diesel to come to a stop in the outside lane of Interstate I81. Engine Shutdown happened again on a 2 lane highway while passing a slow farm tractor. The problem has been confirmed by Harrisonburg Ford, Harrisonburg, VA. The high pressure fuel pump is causing metal to be distributed throughout fuel system. The complete contaminated fuel system is required to be replaced by a High Pressure Fuel Pump KIT, which the Dealer ordered against the workorder for my truck. For over a month now, My truck is parked in the dealer storage and stating they are waiting on approval to start repair. Note I have Ford's Extended Warranty. I've read online that many other owners of 6.7L Diesel trucks are having the same problems. I my opinion, a RECALL is certainly justified for this issue.
Related recalls
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord,…
Engine complaints in other F-350 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2017 Ford F-350 SD?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2017 Ford F-350 SD, 4% of the model year's 574 complaints. The component named most often is engine › oil/lubrication › seals/gaskets (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Ford F-350 SD engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-278 (engine, Apr 8, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford F-350 SD engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 26,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.